Zechariah chapter 3

JOSHUA THE HIGH PRIEST

VERSE 1. He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the LORD’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

NAB translation. Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, while Satan stood at his right hand to accuse him.

at his right hand. Satan stands at the right hand. He usurps the esteemed place of honor. Like a narcissist, he automatically assumes he has the right to the privileged seat.

to accuse. Satan accuses. That’s what he does. He’s the accuser of the brethren:

Revelation 12:10. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (KJV translation)

VERSE 2. The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Yes, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”

NAB translation. The angel of the LORD said to Satan, “May the LORD rebuke you, Satan; may the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!

The angel of the LORD. This might be Michael the Archangel.

May the LORD rebuke you. The angel does not rebuke Satan. It leaves rebuking to the LORD God.

That phrase is reminiscent of a phrase in a Catholic prayer to St. Michael, written by pope Leo XIII in 1886:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.

VERSE 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.

VERSE 4. He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”

VERSE 5. I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.” So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and the LORD’s angel was standing by.

and clothed him. Joshua the high priest is clothed in festive garments. This reminds us of the prodigal son.

Zechariah 3:5. I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.” So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and the LORD’s angel was standing by.

Luke 15:22. But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

Romans 13:14. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

2 Corinthians 5:2. For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,

Galatians 3:27. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

VERSE 6. The LORD’s angel solomnly assured Joshua, saying,

VERSE 7. “The LORD of Hosts says: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by.

VERSE 8. Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign; for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch.

VERSE 9. For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua: on one stone are seven eyes; behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ says the LORD of Hosts, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In a single day, the Lord Jesus Christ removed the sins of the land.

VERSE 10. In that day,’ says the LORD of Hosts, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’ ”

Author: todd

At Explore the Faith, I share insights into the Bible and theological writings. If you like what I write, become my partner by donating. Help me reach the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.
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